My Crazy Thoughts

Quilty Pleasures

2011-10-22T15:52:00.000-04:00

I recently took over leadership of the local American Sewing Guild neighborhood group that concentrates on quilting. We had a meeting today and worked on the Lucky Charms table runner from the book, Fast and Furious, Quilting As You Go. We had all of the pieces cut before we started and many of us finished before we left. I decided mine needed some buttons and I found the perfect ones in my button box when I got home...imagine that!

Here it is on the kitchen table. It's so great to have a new finished project!

I know, I know

2011-10-14T19:04:00.003-04:00

Yes, the summer has come and gone and it looks like the fall has come and almost gone too...and I haven't done any blogging. Work has over taken my life this year. I am so exhausted by the time I get home that I can barely think. I'm finally beginning to think again, maybe blogging won't be far behind. (This post is a good start, don't you think?)

I do have some things to show and as soon as I take some photos I will share them here. Until then here a few of the happy things I experienced in the last few months...

Our niece's new baby girl...isn't she a beauty?

One of my favorite summer flowers...it had at least two blossoms all summer!

My baby sister and her sons after she finished running 26.2 miles...26.2 miles? How does anyone do that?

My quilting buddies on our mystery getaway...I'm taking the photo so I'm not in it. There's nothing better than good friends!

My Next Knitting Project

2011-07-18T13:26:00.004-04:00

While my last knitting project seemed to take forever, this one is going so quickly I can't believe it! It probably has something to do with size 5 needles vs. size 10 1/2 needles. This is the Tuck Stitch Tank by Classic Elite Yarns from their book Picnic. The yarn is Katydid, which is a cotton tape/ribbon type yarn that is a dream to work with. On the 10 1/2 needles it makes a soft, drapey, stretchy fabric. I chose an apple green color which is not my normal color, but I think I was ready for something a little different.

The back is done to the underarms and the front is almost that far. The next class is a week away and I'm going to have to hold myself back from finishing it before then! I guess it's a good thing that I signed up for two more knitting classes and just ordered some yarn for another sweater! I might never get back into my sewing room!!!

Green Gable

2011-07-12T12:07:00.002-04:00

A finished project! And just in time because tonight I am beginning a new knitting class at my LYS. This is Green Gable. It was easy to knit, but it seemed to take me a long time to get it done. I used Lion Brand Cotton Ease that was in my stash for a loooong time.

I added some extra waist shaping and length to the body and the sleeves. I also did a single crochet edging around the neck to stop the back neck from rolling. It still wants to roll but it's not as bad as before the crochet.

And here is my Superhero pose...I like the way the sweater looks like this. If you see me walking around with my hands on my hips it's only because the sweater looks better this way!!

An Update

2011-07-07T09:59:00.007-04:00

When my kids were young I always found the month of June to be the most hectic time of the year. It was always such a relief to get to July and our summer vacation. No routines, no set activities, just fun at the pool and a little tennis thrown in. Now that I am working at a school I'm feeling the same way! Throw in a wedding and suddenly I don't know which end is up!! Hence, my blogging vacation.

My son got married last weekend and it was a perfect day in every way.

We traveled to Burlington, VT. The wedding was at St. Michael's College chapel and the reception at the Essex Inn. It was lovely.

Since then I have been lazing around enjoying my summer vacation. I've done a little knitting and some reading. I planned on spending some time every day in my sewing room. I think that begins today! Woohoo! I love summer vacation...

Easter Trip #2

2011-05-01T13:38:00.004-04:00

Our first full day in Holland was spent at the Keukenhof. Seven million bulbs = tulip goodness. It was beautiful. Fortunately we didn't miss any of our tulips and daffodils in bloom. They have just started blooming this week.

Beautiful color combinations.

Beyond the gardens were the tulip growing fields. Rows and rows of color.

Next up: Normandy.

Easter Trip #1

2011-04-30T16:26:00.004-04:00

We went to visit our son in Europe the week before Easter. It was a fantastic trip. First up...Amsterdam. We loved it there. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm, but not too warm. Everyone there rides bikes, they even have a bike parking garage that holds 2500 bikes...and it's not big enough! There are bikes parked everywhere.

My husband and son.

Beautiful canals.

Our hotel, a former shipping warehouse turned into a beautiful hotel.

The view from our hotel room.

The street outside our hotel. Next up, Keukenhof.

Red and White Goodness

2011-03-29T20:10:00.006-04:00

I spent last weekend in NYC with seven of my quilting friends. We went to the quilt show at the Park Avenue Armory: Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts. It was a spectacular show, like nothing I've ever seen before. Watch this clip from the Martha Stewart Show to see all about it.

You can see more of my photos here.

Happy Birthday

2011-03-16T17:58:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to my youngest. 21 years old today.

Ahhh, I breathe a sigh of relief, we made it. They're all adults (at least agewise, actions could be another matter all together!)

A Twice Finished Sweater

2011-03-16T17:29:00.002-04:00

Okay, okay, I know I'm crazy, but I couldn't help it. I put the sweater on and all I could see in the mirror glaring back at me was my mistake! I wore it to work tried not to point out the mistake and it worked until I went to knit with a group of women after work and it all came bursting out..."I made a mistake, it's right in the front!" It made me feel better that no one could find it, but I knew it was there.
So...over the weekend I took part of the underarm and side seams out, removed the sleeve, ripped down the front to my error and fixed it. It's all back together and now I'm happy and I try not to look too closely at the sweater because I don't want to see any more mistakes! I'll get a photo of it on me next time I wear it.

Now It's Really Done

2011-03-06T22:59:00.002-05:00

My last post suggested that I only had to finish knitting the front/neck band of my sweater. Little did I know it would take me four tries to get it right!! It was worth it though. I finished sewing it together tonight and it is drying right now. I am very happy with the way it turned out...except when I had it laid out for blocking I noticed a mistake. UGH! I don't think anyone else will notice and I have promised myself that I won't mention it to anyone admiring the sweater when I wear it. I just can't bear the idea of taking it apart. I am planning on wearing it this week and will get some photos of it on.

I have started another sweater and don't like the yarn so tomorrow I am going back to the yarn shop to do an exchange. In the meantime I think I will whip up a baby sweater. I think I need a quick knit and I have a niece who is expecting in July.

I can't believe the weekend is over...off to bed to dream of new sweaters!

The Knitting Is Done...Almost

2011-02-26T20:26:00.002-05:00

I only have the neck and front band left to knit on my Drift sweater. Now comes the difficult part...sewing everything together. I made it a little shorter than the pattern. I hope it fits!

I have my next project ready to swatch. Stay tuned...

Letterpress Love

2011-02-23T16:21:00.003-05:00

I love letterpress. Ever since I first noticed cards printed that way at the Paper Source store in Boston I have been enamored with it. I even took a class at a local print shop. I have wanted to be able to recreate the technique without buying a huge, old, expensive printing press. Enter the new(ish) L Letterpress by Lifestyle Crafts. Mine arrived on Monday and today I finally got a chance to play with it. I am in letterpress love!!!

I watched youtube videos and read some great blog posts about the machine here, here and here. Then I jumped in...here is my first printing. I used rubber stamp daubers instead of ink for the first tries. This is the first printing I did. You can see the ink got on the edges of the designs.

Then I tried a print without any ink. It was gorgeous!!

So I dug up some notecards that I had and pressed them. Lovely.

Then I got the ink and the brayer out. The brayer that comes with the kit is terrible. The blog posts I read had prepared me for that. I will buy a new one.

My inking needs work and there is a tip from Boxcar Press that I will use. I am off to design some things and have some custom plates made at Boxcar Press. I never find the time to send out Christmas cards, but maybe this will be the year that I get my act together. I certainly have plenty of time if I start now! Stay tuned...

The Great Serger Experiment

2011-01-30T12:41:00.006-05:00

I found this wonderful piece of sweater knit fabric at JoAnn's before Thanksgiving. There was just over a yard of it which was less than I needed to make a jacket. I bought it because it was the perfect color to go with a skirt that I have had for about 5 years and hardly worn because I had nothing to go with it! I decided to jump right in and see what I could do with the fabric.

I started with an old Simplicity pattern that I have used for years for a simple, unstructured, knit jacket. I had enough fabric for a shorter jacket with 3/4 sleeves, but I don't particularly like 3/4 sleeves - especially in the winter. I set the project aside to think about it (remember I am a great thinker!).

When I went back to it I decided to use my serger to add pieces to the bottom of the front and back and sleeves to make them longer. I used a flatlock stitch.

I went with that idea and added plackets on the front and a neckband. Here I used a combination of flatlock and cover stitches. The neckband went on 4 times before it was what I wanted! I ended up putting the raw edges of the neckband over the neck edge and topstitching with the coverstitch.

I'm so happy with the results. The only thing I may still change on it is to add some shaping at the waist in the side seams and maybe shorten the sleeves.

Now I have the perfect thing to wear with my plum colored skirt, but it also goes with my gray dress pants, faded black jeans and gray skirt!

Wool Coat

2010-12-31T15:39:00.003-05:00

Last year I finished a wool coat with felted flowers on it. I realized I never posted about it. I felted a piece of black wool coating in the washing machine and cut out the jacket. I used an embroidery design that I cut apart and resized in my embroidery software program. I stitched the outline of the design, then needle felted the wool roving in place (while the fabric what still hooped) then embroidered the design again to be on top of the felting.

When the embroidery was complete, I took it out of the hoop and used my felting machine to better meld the roving to the jacket. I get compliments on it everytime I wear it.

To the sewing room

2010-12-29T12:29:00.002-05:00

Our last holiday guests left this morning. My husband is skiing with friends today. I am headed to the sewing room. I have decided to join the 12 jackets in 12 months sew along on Stitcher's Guild. The group's inspiration came from Gigi who made more than 12 jackets last year and, boy, are they fabulous! This is a no-pressure, do what you can, kind of sew along. Jackets are a staple in my wardrobe so I am going along for the ride.

Today, I will spend a few minutes cleaning up from the pre-holiday sewing bonanza and then get to work on jacket #1, Louise Cutting's Anything But Ordinary in a turquoise chenille fabric. It's already cut out and I'm sure when I do a little cleaning up I will be able to find it at the bottom of a pile!!

I hope your day is as great as mine is going to be...

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T15:03:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to all. We are hosting dinner for 25 people so I don't have time to dawdle, but next week I am on vacation and have lots of plans for sewing, sharing fun times with a couple of my kids and organizing. I'll keep you posted.

Rock around the clock

2010-12-05T21:02:00.005-05:00

I took a professional development course at work. It was on Prezi. I had never heard of it before and maybe you haven't either. It is a presentation software like Powerpoint only lots different! Prezi releases you from the linear boundaries of Powerpoint and you can move all over the place (sometimes too much and you can get a little motion sickness). Here is my final project. If you watch it, take it slow because there is a lot of movement in mine!! Enjoy and give Prezi a try.

Because of the layout of my blog the whole Prezi won't show. So if you want to see the whole thing check it out here.

Dreams really do come true!

2010-12-03T12:33:00.002-05:00

Another snow day! I am headed to the sewing room for some fun. Here are a couple photos to show you how beautiful it is here.

The Adirondack chairs in my backyard are upholstered in snow.

A tree in the front yard...this one has lights in it and at night it is spectacular.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-02T23:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a photo of my great nephew in the Christmas tree hat I made for him. Isn't that the cutest thing ever? You can find the pattern here. There are lots of other great knitting and crochet items on the site.

We have about a foot of snow here. It is beautiful...if you can stay home. Fortunately I could because we had a snow day. My sister, her husband and three of her kids were in their car all night on the NYS Thruway. Not fun, but what a story they will be able to tell. Some of the schools are already closed tomorrow. I'm pretty sure mine will be open, but I am going to go to bed and dream of a snow day possibility. And I thought snow days were fun when I was a kid, they're even better now!!

Confessions of a Lazy Blogger

2010-10-30T13:29:00.005-04:00

I confess:

1. That I like to read blogs more than I like to write them.

2. I don't want to post to my blog unless I have photos to include.

3. I have been busy.

4. I am terrible with time management.

All of these things have contributed to the fact that I haven't updated my blog since the middle of August. I also haven't been very productive on the creative front (see nos. 3 & 4 above) so I don't have much to show, but I will include a few photos of the fun I have had since August.

An engagement party for my son and future daughter-in-law on the beach of the Long Island Sound. The weather was perfect and the party a blast.

A get-away weekend with my quilt group. We laughed, ate, drank and laughed some more...oh, and there was a little sewing going on too!

I watched my baby sister run her first marathon. It was amazing!

And I met my new great nephew, Charlie. Here he is showing off the play quilt I made for him.

I will try to be better about my time management, creative endeavors and blog posting in the future. I promise!

My Favorite Summer Vacation

2010-08-15T10:41:00.005-04:00

I always liked summer vacation when I was a kid, I loved summer vacation when my kids were in school, but since I have gone back to work (in a school) this has been my most favorite summer vacation ever!

I have been very busy and lazy at the same time. Too lazy to post anything here! I am going to try and be better at my blogging.

First up is my new toy. I purchased a Nook before I went away on a trip this summer. I love this thing!! I am able to download ebooks from my library and read them on it. I can also listen to audio books on it. I made a cover for it so I didn't have to worry about it breaking or scratching while I was traveling.

I went to the ASG conference in Atlanta this summer. It was so much fun and exhausting at the same time. I took a class from Peggy Sagers on blouse fitting. I have made a sleeveless blouse since I got home...photos later. I purchased many of Peggy's patterns, a couple of Louise Cuttings and lots of fabric. I also purchased some inks and dyes. I am looking forward to spending some time playing with these. I'm heading to the sewing room this afternoon so hopefully I'll have more to share later...stay tuned!

More Red and White

2010-07-05T00:43:00.002-04:00

Our niece is expecting a baby at the the beginning of September. One of the gifts I made for her was this quilted floor mat. I found the instructions here at the Moda Bake Shop. Since we don't know if it's a boy or a girl I went with the latest fabrics still sitting out from the last quilt...red!

I did the stipple quilting myself. I have been "piecing" for years and sending my quilts out for "quilting". I decided to give the stippling a try since this is a play cloth for the floor! I was pleased with the results of my first try. I'm not sure I would like to do a queen sized quilt, but, Hey you never know!

My New Passion

2010-06-28T20:03:00.002-04:00

Podcasts are my new passion. I have spent most of the day at my sewing machine listening to the podcasts of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" from NPR. It makes me laugh out loud. So funny! You can subscribe to it for free at iTunes. I have also been listening to The Moth Podcast.

I finished a skirt that just needed hemming and am working on a sleeveless shell to wear with it. Photos when I am done...stay tuned...

First day of Summer vacation

2010-06-24T17:52:00.002-04:00

School's out for summer.....

Here's what I did on my first day of summer vacation...not much!

1. I slept in.

2. I spent some time organizing and cleaning my sewing room. This is something that will have to happen everyday this summer to get it in order, it's a mess.

3. I applied for a job...the same job I have been working since September. The person I was filling in for has decided to retire. I think I'll be a shoe-in, but you never know!

4. Tonight is a quilt guild meeting. Tomorrow is a needlework guild meeting.

It's shaping up to be a great summer! Stay tuned....

Finished Quilt

2010-06-12T17:44:00.003-04:00

Today my daughter is the maid of honor in her college roommate's wedding. Her gift to the bride was a quilt. Of course, I had to make the quilt! My daughter sent out squares to family and friends and I chose red and white fabrics from my stash to create the quilt. I'm going to have to replenish my reds!!

A Beautiful Wedding

2010-06-11T22:44:00.006-04:00

Two weeks ago our niece was married. It was a wonderful day.

All of my children were able to make it. And everyone was wondering who would be next...

They will! My son and his fiance. A wedding next summer to look forward to...and another daughter, finally!!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

We just returned from a quick trip to Newport, RI. We went for the wedding of one of my daughter's closest friends. My daughter was in the wedding and our whole family was invited. Unfortunately, our youngest had to stay behind at school because of final exams. So I was able to spend Mother's Day weekend with three of my four kiddos. We had so much fun.

This morning was brunch and an introduction to son #1's girlfriend's parents. Very nice people (although I knew they would be because their daughter is a lovely girl). Then we hopped in the car and drove 7 1/2 hours home. I was able to get quite a bit of knitting done during the ride...photos tomorrow...I'm too tired now...stay tuned.

Spring has arrived

2010-04-21T16:26:00.007-04:00

Spring has officially arrived at our home. My crazy husband planted 1500 tulip bulbs last fall and fought with the deer to keep them growing. I think my husband won! Enjoy the display, I sure do.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T12:01:00.007-04:00

It's been a while, I know. Working full time has put a crimp in my creative spirit, but Spring seems to be here and with it a new sense of inspiration.

I was hoping to participate in the SWAP at Stitcher's Guild, but I never got much past thinking and planning.

I did make this Sewing Workshop pattern. It's the Now shirt. The fabric is a beaded, silk batik that came from the home dec department of JoAnn Fabrics. It was on sale (last fall) for $4.50/yd. I really liked the way this pattern went together. Next time I make it I will lengthen it by at least two inches. I have another vacation from work in two weeks, so hopefully more sewing is ahead...stay tuned!

Mid Winter Break

2010-02-15T10:07:00.004-05:00

I am on vacation. I have the week off from school just like the kids. It is gray and snowy outside, but inside the fire is blazing and I am getting some sewing done. First up, a quilt. It started out as a scrap quilt and then I purchased 10 yards of fabric (2 1/2 yds. of four different fabrics) because I couldn't decide what to use for the setting strips! I'm very happy with the results. This is a gift for someone special.

My daughter was home for the weekend and I altered two bridesmaid dresses for her. Size 2 dresses are too big...can you imagine?

Today I am going to try to straighten up a little from scrap quilt sewing and work on a skirt that I started a while back. It's going to be a busy week...stay tuned!

Happy New Year

2009-12-27T17:49:00.002-05:00

Ahhh. I always breathe a sigh of relief at this time of the year. Christmas is over, another successful holiday dinner...this year for 20 guests...and a new beginning, a new year. I have high hopes once again to finish up some UFO's, participate in the Stitchers Guild SWAP and get myself organized. I can dream can't I?

This has been a difficult year for me because I left my comfortable part-time job for full time work. I haven't worked full time in over 27 years. It has been an adjustment to say the least. I am learning to say "no, I'm sorry I can't do that."

My mom keeps telling me that she is checking my blog and "do you know you haven't updated it since October?" Hi mom, this post is for you! I have been making things, but never seem to have the time to photograph the finished project before it goes out the door. I am going to try to be better about that so I have something to post about. Until then, Happy New Year to you and I wish you (and me) a productive, creative and most importantly a healthy new year.

A Giveaway

2009-10-13T17:45:00.002-04:00

Wouldn't this be handy to have at the fabric cutting counter? You could win it! What a treat that would be.

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Look What Followed Me Home

2009-10-10T17:05:00.002-04:00

The guest speaker at our neighborhood ASG meeting this morning was a woman who makes the most beautiful buttons. They are mostly made from polymer clay and each one is a work of art. I have purchased her buttons before in some of our local fabric and yarn shops, but each shop has a limited supply. She brought hundreds to the meeting. One was prettier than the next! These are some that followed me home...

I'm Back

2009-10-08T17:03:00.004-04:00

Finally something to post! I finished a jacket from the Sept. issue of the Burda magazine. It is 100% cotton flannel. I would like to make it again, but next time I will make the sleeves full length. I can wear 3/4 sleeves on tops, but I don't like them on jackets. It takes me back to my gawky teenage years when I couldn't find pants or shirts that were long enough!

I also started another job so now I am working 5 days a week. I don't have much energy for blogging these days. Hopefully I will get used to the routine and be more productive with my time. Here's hoping...

Back To School Shopping

2009-08-24T13:38:00.005-04:00

I'm going back to school. I got a job!! I am sooo excited. I will be working two days a week in a local elementary school as a computer tech aide. It is only a temp position, but I'm hoping that it's a "foot in the door" opportunity. And if I'm putting my foot in the door won't I need new shoes? And doesn't one always get new shoes when it's time to go back to school? I know it was always my favorite part of back to school shopping.

I bought these red shoes in black too because they were so comfortable. I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time on my feet.

I'm a sucker for fabric shoes. These will go nicely with lots of black and gray that's in my closet.

How could I resist faux snakeskin and patent leather?

I also made a trip to the fabric store for this pattern while it was on sale. Check out Christina's posts on this pattern here, here and here. I couldn't resist giving it a try. I bought a black lightweight knit from Joann's.

I also received the new Burda magazine over the weekend and I love, love, love this issue. I purchased some denim for the jeans style trousers and this fabric for this jacket.

Now I'm off to straighten up my sewing room and get started tracing the patterns. Stay tuned...

Blogging Vacation

2009-08-17T10:13:00.005-04:00

Here's what I've been up to during my vacation from blogging:

1. I made cushions for a friend (photos later).

2. I traveled to Boston for a few days to visit my daughter and slipcovered a chair while I was there (photos later).

3. I'm knitting a maternity sweater. No, I'm not pregnant! Here's the story: my LYS had a model sweater that I tried on and really liked. It had a "swing" shape to it. When I asked for the instructions I realized it was a maternity sweater! Here's a photo from the book and my sweater so far. Honestly, I didn't look pregnant in it.

4. I have been looking for a new job. I must say this is a very humbling experience. I have a few possibilities so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

5. I have been designing a project for the needlework guild I'm in. It is a pattern darning piece that accommodates our guild charm. It will be a needlebook when finished.

I am teaching this piece in a week and a half so I'd better get back to it!

A Wonderful Day

2009-07-11T19:24:00.003-04:00

Our niece was married last weekend. It was a wonderful day. I didn't get my special dress made in time so I pulled something out of the back of my closet. This was the first wedding in our immediate family...the first of many we hope!

Me and my crew on the big day! We had so much fun.

Some Crafting Friends

2009-06-29T09:09:00.003-04:00

When my children were small I would put them down for their afternoon nap and have some "me" time in front of the television with Aleene's Creative Living show. Do you remember the show? It was full of fun crafting lessons with Aleene of Tacky Glue fame and her daughters, Tiffany and Heidi and other great guests. Last night when I was searching for something on the net I happened upon a site where there were people remembering the show and the people connected with it. Well, as you can imagine, these crafters are still doing their thing, adapting to the times with blogs and podcasts.

Tiffany's website is here and she has a podcast that I downloaded to listen to later.

Two of my favorite guest crafters were Cheryl Ball and Katheryn Bieber

I feel like I have found some long, lost friends!

Where'd My Mojo Go?

2009-06-22T13:15:00.003-04:00

I have not accomplished a thing for myself since my last post. I took a sewing job for making outdoor furniture cushions and it has taken me waaaaayyyy too long! I should be able to finish today. I haven't sewn one stitch for the JCC that ends on June 30th! I also want to make a dress to wear to my niece's wedding on July 4th. Ugh! I hate it when I have no mojo!

Comments

2009-05-31T14:39:00.004-04:00

I'm going to participate in the JCC at Stitcher's Guild. Here is my "orphan". It's a reversible jacket that I purchased last year. I have only worn it a few times with black pants and always with the lighter side showing. It's not really my colors (except for the blue), but I get compliments on it every time I wear it.

I have some blue French terry that is the right color that I will use for a skirt and top. I purchased some Tencel fabric in the gold tone, but I'm not sure what I will do with that. My accessory will be a belt (I think). You'll have to stay tuned ...!

I just realized that I am not getting the comments from my blog sent to my email anymore. I have to fix that, but in the meantime, thank you for the kind comments you have posted, Karen, Eva, Pamela, Eileen and Diana. I wasn't ignoring you I just wasn't paying attention to the comments area of my posts!! I will pay attention from now on...I promise.

Three Down, One To Go

2009-05-26T16:45:00.002-04:00

Child #3 graduated from the College of the Holy Cross on Friday. It was a beautiful, hot day with not a cloud in the sky. Here he is receiving his diploma. I forgot to take my zoom lens so this is cropped and enlarged and a little grainy, but it works!

As the final name was called the balloons were released.

Here's the whole crew with the graduate. That's three down and one to go...stay tuned!

Some Scenery

2009-05-18T10:59:00.003-04:00

When my hubby took photos of me for the SWAP contest, he positioned me around the yard to show his tulips, picket fence, stone wall, arbor, etc. Little did he know that I was going to crop all of those things out of the photos! So here are some shots of the Spring scenery. The tulips were fantastic. He promises next year will be even better!! I guess we'll all have to stay tuned...

I'm A Winner!

2009-05-14T16:18:00.002-04:00

I am the Third prize winner in the SWAP contest. I can't believe it! Here are the rest of the garments that I hadn't shown previously here. The other two winners in the contest are ones that I voted for. All of the wardrobes were lovely so this a very special honor. As well as the fact that I now have some nice new clothes that fit!

How Shirley Adams Saved My SWAP...

2009-05-12T14:59:00.002-04:00

Now that the SWAP photos have been posted, I can feel free to talk about my garments. Great procrastinator that I am, I left lots of the sewing to be finished at the very end of the SWAP deadline. The last week of the SWAP, Shirley Adams was coming to Buffalo for two days and I was signed up for both days! The first day was a trunk show of hundreds of garments...wow, what inspiration. Day two was the origami top class in the morning and a purse class in the afternoon. The fabric I took from my stash for the origami top just happened to coordinate with my SWAP pieces. I wasn't sure I would like the top, but I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to take a class from a sewing expert like Shirley Adams! I loved the top when it was done (I added the bottom tucked hems to the top and sleeves) and it saved my SWAP because it replaced a top that I had completed and hated and I hadn't wasted a day away from my sewing machine!

The top is made from 6 squares of fabrics. Two of the squares are cut on the diagonal and the pieces sewn together. Because of the way the pieces are sewn the top hangs on the diagonal. The instructions are in Shirley's Sewing Connection book #17. You can also take a look at the new issue of Threads magazine (July) for a top and jacket that are made similarly with two squares of fabric.

If you ever get a chance to see Shirley Adams at a seminar, or take a class with her, don't miss it. She is a sewing inspiration!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:33:00.002-04:00

I enjoyed a wonderful Mother's Day. I took a 2 1/2 hour drive to have lunch and spend the day with my mom (and dad!). It was fun. I got home just in time for a lovely dinner cooked by my husband and gifts from my husband and son #3.

The SWAP photos are up. You can see them here. There are some very nice collections. It's going to be hard to decide who to vote for!

An Update

2009-05-06T22:20:00.003-04:00

I was able to finish the SWAP in the nick of time. The photos will be up on Sunday, until then here's a sneak peek of my favorite combination.

I've been doing some knitting and letting my sewing machine rest for a few days. Check back on Sunday and I'll have a link to the SWAP contest so you can see all of the wonderful wardrobes that have been created in the last 6 months. Stay tuned...

Gone Sewing

2009-04-28T12:20:00.001-04:00

I am stuck at my sewing machine trying desperately to finish the SWAP. I still need to make two bottoms and some buttonholes...stay tuned...

SWAP Progress

2009-04-22T15:58:00.002-04:00

I am still sewing for the SWAP, but time is getting very short! I still have two tops and three bottoms to finish. The jacket is very close to being finished and I really like it (although the fabric I chose was not easy to work with). No photos today, it's too gray and rainy here. I think I have everything in order for a photo finish...stay tuned!

Another Birthday Wish

2009-04-18T13:07:00.003-04:00

Another birthday boy. Today he's 22. Happy Birthday to Son #2.

He's soon to be a college graduate. Check out his music here.

I Wish I Could Sing

2009-04-16T01:42:00.001-04:00

Check out this you tube video from the latest Britain's Got Talent! I love it.

Happy Birthday

2009-04-15T15:39:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to my 25 year old!

Where has the time gone??

Catching Up

2009-03-23T10:17:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted...time just keeps marching along doesn't it? I have been very busy....I finished a sweater, a top-down from Knitting Pure and Simple. I was easy and quick because it was knit with bulky yarn on size 15 and 17 needles. I like it very much.

I started that sweater because I was very frustrated with this one:

this is supposed to be part of my SWAP, but I'm not sure it's going to make it. It is kid mohair is supposed to look like this:

I like the way it is turning out, except that it might be too big. Ugh! I am going to keep going and see what happens. It's an awful lot of work for something that I'll never wear!

I also finished a quilt for my sister-in-law, who will be beginning chemo very soon. Everyone in the family wrote on a heart and another sis-in-law and I did the construction. I finished the borders, quilting and binding. I know she will love it.

That's all for now, more later...stay tuned!

SWAP piece #3

2009-02-08T16:53:00.003-05:00

I finished SWAP piece #3 on Saturday. I wore it to church and work on Sunday. It's Macphee Workshop pattern #311 called the BLT (Best of Linda's Tops). I made it with a Slinky remnant that I bought at my local independent fabric store...I paid $8.00 for 2 yards. I have a small piece left over that might be enough for a tank top. It is a little droopy, especially the sleeves. If I make this again (and I think I will) I'll make a smaller size at least in the sleeves. I wore my long underwear with it because it's very cold here and I didn't realize it was peaking out in the photo. I also have a funky spot where the front crosses over on one side. I resewed it many times and finally just left it because I probably won't wear the top without tucking it in so it will never show. I know I have a piece of black Slinky somewhere in my stash that just might have to be turned into this top!

My SWAP sewing has been very slow going. I have been stuck in the pants fitting stage. I have made at least four muslins of various patterns and I am not happy with any of them. I decided to move on to the tops and come back to the pants. I also started the Flat Belly Diet a week ago and have been successful in losing a few pounds so that will change the fit of the pants too. I'll deal with the pants closer to the deadline. Stay tuned...

Embroidery Designs

2009-02-03T16:33:00.004-05:00

I have added some embroidery designs that I created to my etsy shop. I have more in the works so stay tuned!

I'm Audrey, Who Are You?

2009-01-31T15:11:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure I agree with all of this, but it was funny when Audrey Hepburn popped up because my daughter loves Audrey Hepburn. There's a link to the quiz at the bottom of my post so you can see who you are.

I have been knitting away on the Tulip sweater. I have started over three times and I'm pretty sure I am going to run low on at least one of the colors. I'm going to keep going to see what happens. Stay tuned...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

* If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure

* I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this

* Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit

* Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally

* Ask me questions to help me get clear

* Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery

* Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings

* I like a good discussion but not a confrontation

* Let me know you like what I've done or said

* Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

* being nonjudgmental and accepting

* caring for and being concerned about others

* being able to relax and have a good time

* knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around

* my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator

* my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now

* being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

* being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive

* being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline

* being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally

* being confused about what I really want

* caring too much about what others will think of me

* not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

* feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant

* tune out a lot, especially when others argue

* are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

* are supportive, kind, and warm

* are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Knitting With Toothpicks

2009-01-28T11:47:00.002-05:00

I am now knitting with size 0 needles or toothpicks as I like to refer to them. The design is very pretty, but I made a mistake in reading the chart so I will be starting again. I may move the colors too because it is pretty hard to see the black and I would like to be able to knit up the hem instead of sewing it later. Stay tuned...

What is it with gauge?

2009-01-26T10:49:00.006-05:00

I have been craving a new knitting project for a while. I recently found Twist Collective. I ordered three new knitting patterns, here, here and here. (With many more that I wanted to buy!) I figured I would start with the mittens.

It would be a small (size wise) project with some difficulty (the fair isle pattern), but certainly doable. I knit very loosely so I usually go down two needle sizes to get the gauge. The pattern calls for size 1 or 2 needles. I used a size 1 and got 8 stitches to the inch (I'm supposed to have 9 spi). (I'm using the yarn that the pattern calls for).

Now it's 10:00 pm and I want to knit! I don't own any size 0 needles so what do I do? I get out another knitting project...a kit I purchased in Sept. for this child's sweater from Dream in Color Designs. I do a gauge swatch and I end up having to go up two needle sizes from what the pattern recommends! Yikes! What is this gauge madness? Do I need to find knitting designers who knit loosely like I do? The idea of knitting a pair of mittens on size 0 (or smaller needles) is a little disconcerting.

So about two hours after starting a new knitting project I am able to actually knit on the project...the child's sweater, not the mittens. Which I have to say is a dream to knit. The yarn is the yummiest of colors. Now I'm going to go to my LYS to see if they have size 0 needles...stay tuned...

What I'm Working On

2009-01-14T13:51:00.004-05:00

It is freezing here in Buffalo today. I am trying to stay warm and doing lots of laundry so my washing machine pipes won't freeze! In my quest for finishing UFO's, I resurrected this needlework piece that I started in a class in 1997 or 98. Yikes, that's a decade ago! Most of the stitching was done for the inside of the case. I just need to do some outlining and then stitch the outside area (which shouldn't be too difficult). It's The Florentine Stitch Sewing Roll by Catherine Theron. I have always loved this piece and knew I wanted to finish it...someday...stay tuned...

More completed items

2009-01-10T13:45:00.006-05:00

I finished piece #2 for the SWAP. It's a sweater knit that I bought at Joann's in the fall. It's Simplicity 3634 with an adjustment to the neck (I raised it) and I cut a size larger than I normally wear in the body because the pattern is a very tight t shirt.

Here are a couple more Christmas gifts that I made for my family. The sampler is from The City Stitcher and I made it for my husband. I didn't finish it in time to have it framed for Christmas so this week I hope to get it to the frame shop.

Here's another Wonderful Wallaby sweater knit for my son #1. Now all of my boys have one so hopefully any more that I make will be baby sized! This is a fun sweater to knit but a big one takes a lot of time. I worked on this one all summer and fall.

Now off to my sewing room to see what else I can finish...stay tuned...

Another New Year

2009-01-07T15:16:00.005-05:00

Another year begun...a new beginning. This year I am going to set goals rather than make resolutions. Resolutions seem to be such hard and fast rules. Goals are something to strive for and I am striving in 2009.

My first goal for 2009 is to keep finishing UFO's. I have four needlework projects that I intend to complete before I begin a new one. Speaking of finishing things here are a few photos of Christmas gifts I made for special people. My daughter's skirt in the following photo is a Burda World of Fashion pattern pencil skirt made from scraps of a wool skirt I made for myself a few years ago. It fits her like a glove and she is hoping that I make more. Unfortunately this is the only picture I got of her in it before she left for Boston. (She is the one in the center posing with two of her cousins all in black and white houndstooth.)

My #2 son spent all last year in Scotland and had asked if I could make him a quilt that looked like the Scottish flag. He was very happy with the results and now wants one that resembles the US flag...hmmm

Completing the SWAP is another goal in 2009. I have finished one of the tops and will have one of my boys take a photo before they head back to school. I am diligently working on fitting a pair of pants, but nothing yet...another goal of 2009, a decent fitting pair of pants. I also intend to knit a mohair icelandic style sweater as part of the SWAP. I have my work cut out for me but I am excited about it...stay tuned...

Snowflakes All Around

2008-12-10T10:26:00.004-05:00

There are snowflakes outside and these are inside! New fleece scarves with embroidered snowflakes that are going to be gifts and available on my etsy site.

and matching gloves...

a close up of the embroidery

and soon a photo of my biggest project to date...stay tuned!

A Time for Gifts

2008-12-03T12:42:00.008-05:00

I am making something for Christmas for each of my children. I can't show them here because my kiddos check in here every once in a while to see what I'm up to. Here is a baby gift that I made recently. It turned out so cute that I put it in my etsy shop.

And this is a gift for a friend who doesn't even know I have a blog! It is at the frame shop. I like it so much I may have to stitch one for me (and I rarely stitch something twice!).

I have a new "toy" that I'm going to go set up...more on that later...stay tuned!

Be Thankful

2008-11-27T14:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope you have as much to be thankful for as I do!

A Wrap That's a Snap

2008-11-21T16:18:00.005-05:00

My first SWAP piece is complete. It's a wrap skirt made from a black and white mini dot that is 100% wool. When I looked at the fabric I realized that I liked the "wrong" side of the fabric too. So I made it reversible. I used snap tape at the waist for my closure. I copied this from a RTW skirt that's in my closet. Split the snap tape somewhere near the center back and sew it going in the other direction. I have always loved wrap skirts because I could adjust them with my weight by moving the buttons. Now I don't even have to move the buttons...I just have to re-snap! Now on to my SWAP pants...stay tuned.

Storyboard-First Draft

2008-11-19T13:39:00.006-05:00

I have spent way too many hours making up this SWAP storyboard, but I learned a lot! I have started my sewing and finished my first piece. It's a wrap skirt drafted from two different RTW skirts that I love. I will get some photos taken and post later...stay tuned!

A Busy Weekend

2008-10-27T12:53:00.002-04:00

What a wild weekend. My husband arranged for 3 of our 4 kiddos to come home for a visit to surprise me. Of course, he couldn't keep it a surprise so he told me on Wednesday that they were coming. It was fun to have them here...it sure broke the spell of peace, solitude and cleanliness that we were getting used to!

I finished my Sedona sweater. It's almost a coat it's so warm. I'm ready for the cold weather that is showing itself here in western NY.

Here is a scene from the weekend...pumpkin carving!

I am working on my SWAP ideas. I have set a couple of personal goals:

1. One of the garments has to come from Burda World of Fashion magazine. I subscribed a couple of months ago and have yet to have the courage to try any of the patterns.

2. One of the items will be hand knit. I do love knitting and want to incorporate it into the SWAP.

3. I am taking an online course in how to copy a rtw pair of pants, so one of my pants will be a copy of something I already own.

4. Jeans...I am going to try to make a pair of jeans.

I am tentatively planning two pairs of dress pants, black and a plum colored herringbone wool, a pair of black jeans and a skirt. My tops will be a knit sweater set, a cross-over style long sleeved t-shirt, three plain t-shirts, and a sweater with a turtleneck. I am now gathering the fabrics and I'll make a storyboard to help keep me straight. By the way, this is all subject to change...stay tuned!

Sewing With A Plan

2008-10-16T22:26:00.004-04:00

Well, I have gone and done it now. I just joined the 2009 SWAP at Stitcher's Guild. You can check out the rules here. I have some ideas already and I hope I can incorporate some of my pieces into the ASG contest for 2009. I have some lovely stash fabrics that I think I will use. I am getting my patterns together and then I will decide on the fabrics. I have a list of Vogue patterns that I intend to pick up tomorrow when they go on sale at JoAnn's.

Here is one dress...and a great cross t-shirt...and one I think my daughter will like...and a few more. I also bought some great sweater knits last week that might just make the SWAP cut...photos to follow...stay tuned!

Quilting Weekend

2008-10-07T10:32:00.004-04:00

The Material Girls took a road trip this past weekend to Watkins Glen, NY. We stayed at the Upstairs Inn and sewed all day and night. The Inn is conveniently located over one of the nicest quilt shops around, O'Susannah's. Some of us also found time for a hike in the state park, some geocaching and and stop at the local yarn shop. The above photo shows the results of our group project for the weekend, Ricky Tims Convergence Quilt. Today my goal is to get the sewing machine back in the sewing room and have some time to sit at it...stay tuned.

Go Bills

2008-09-29T00:14:00.003-04:00

We love our Buffalo Bills. 4-0 for the first time since the glory years. It's making Sundays fun again! Go Bills!

Knitting Like Crazy

2008-09-03T10:27:00.004-04:00

The chicks have flown the nest. We delivered son #3 to college on Thursday and son #2 took himself to his college on Monday. Boy is it quiet (and clean) here! I think hubby is having a harder time with this than I am. After all, isn't this what I have been preparing them for all these years? To leave the nest and begin to live on their own? Yes, it is! (Oh dear, there's a tear in my eye).

To keep myself busy I have been knitting up a storm. The Sedona jacket is moving along. It is worked on #9 needles so it's a quick one. It's a boxy jacket so there's no shaping...just big knit rectangles. I know the picture doesn't do it justice, you'll just have to trust me.

While I was taking the Sedona jacket class at a LYS. I saw another project that I just couldn't live without, oh, and isn't it convenient that they were having a class on it! The Puffy Swing Coat is made with Puffy yarn from Karabella. This one is worked on #13 needles so it really moves along. I have had to start it over twice and I still have this much done. Again it doesn't look like much, but it's a beauty.

I also have some sewing projects calling to me...stay tuned...

Shop Hoppin' in Ohio

2008-08-27T14:47:00.003-04:00

The Material Girls spent a few days last week shop hoppin' in Ohio. We traveled to Amish country and boosted the economy of the area. What fun! I was choosing fabrics for a quilt for my son #2. He wants a quilt that looks like the Scottish flag. He's very particular about what he wants so I hope what I come up with will make him happy.

I will begin that project when I get my boys off to college. Right now I am making lists and checking them twice. It's keeping me busy and my mind off of the fact that the house will be empty after the weekend. I think that might be something I can get used to...I'll let you know...stay tuned...

A New Knitting Project (or two)

2008-08-15T10:48:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I stopped at a yarn shop on the other side of town, just because I was out that way and wanted to see what was new. I ended up signing up for a jacket class! Now, I have to explain that it must have been fate, because I saw the sample for this jacket well over a year ago in said shop and had missed the class. I purchased the book at that time figuring I would do it on my own. Then I got their newsletter and saw they were repeating the class, but it was on my birthday so I didn't sign up. Well, here's the fate part, the class had to be postponed so it doesn't start until Tuesday. Ta da...meant to be!

It's the Sedona jacket (which looks terrible in the booklet photo and great in person), a short, boxy jacket with a little stand up collar. It uses three colors of Manos del Uruguay, two solid and one varigated.

I had some hot pink Manos and thought I could use that...nope...didn't like it...had to buy more.

I ended up with a more muted mauvey color and a dark purple. Here's the swatch (which also looks better in person).

I got out my favorite knitting reference book to refresh my memory on a long-tail cast on (I usually do a knit cast on) and have to tell you that if you don't own this book you need to. If you are a beginner it is great and if you are advanced you will love the easy projects and they are all done with the knit stitch (duh) no purling anywhere in sight. If you want purling you need to buy her next book The Purl Stitch. Oh, by the way, the author of these books is Sally Melville. Her last book so far is on color...I own that one too, but won't get it out right now because I don't need any other ideas for knitting projects!

Like this one:

and this one:

Yikes, I'd better get knitting, I have a lot to do...stay tuned...

More Vermont Quilts

2008-08-13T23:10:00.003-04:00

Here are some more of my favorite quilts from the Vermont Quilt Festival. Click on the photo to see a larger view. Can you tell I love the scrappy quilts...probably because I have so many scraps! Maybe I'll have some beautiful quilts someday too!

For Goodness Sake

2008-08-13T22:12:00.003-04:00

Lots of goodness around here today...

mail goodness...Jalie patterns

Farmer's Market goodness...fruits and vegetables

and a $10.00 bouquet...lovely!

Thinking About Sewing

2008-08-12T17:47:00.003-04:00

I may have never mentioned this before, but I am a great thinker. I'm a better thinker that a doer (are those even real words?!). And all I can think about right now is garment sewing. The problem lies in finding good quality fabrics to make these garments that are swirling around in my head. I have ordered some french terry from the fabric fairy. Don't you just love that name! Yesterday I went to a local fabric store that carries some garment fabrics and purchased an embroidered linen and a white worsted wool that were in the remnant bin. I also got a 4-way stretch to try a new t-shirt pattern. Now all I have to do is stop thinking and start sewing. Stay tuned...

A Milestone

2008-08-06T13:20:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I celebrated a big birthday. I spent the day with one of my sisters at the spa. I had a facial, a pedicure and, of course, lunch! Wonderful gifts came my way and this video which came from my kids and will tell you how old I am and will make you laugh! I'm still smiling!!

Ever since I created my entries into the ASG Creativity contest I have been thinking about sewing some more garments. These came in the mail a few days ago...

I have been eyeing these patterns for a long time and finally decided to order them. I also placed an order for Burda's World of Fashion magazine. Anywhere I go to read about people sewing things BWOF is mentioned so I'm going to give it a try. I'll let you know...stay tuned...

Quilting Closeups

2008-07-17T09:35:00.003-04:00

I've added these photos again in hopes that you will be able to click on them to see a large view of the quilting. I can't seem to figure out why I sometimes lose that ability in my posts. Hopefully this works.

Quilting Goodness

2008-07-11T10:04:00.018-04:00

I haven't been able to spend much time with my sewing machine lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about sewing! I attended a lecture by Marti Michell, but forgot to bring my camera so you'll just have to trust me that it was great. I also went to a talk given by Jennifer Keltner, the editor of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine. We saw the quilts from the current issue and some from upcoming issues. It was very inspiring! You know how much better quilts look in person than in a magazine.

My most recent quilting adventure was a trip to the Vermont Quilt Festival. What fun my friends and I had! The quilts were wonderful and the shopping even better. I also attended an EQ6 class so I could learn more about my quilting software. Here are some of my favorite quilts from the show:

This quilt is by Mary K. Ryan from Rutland, VT. She was one of the teachers at the show. It's called Stars of Vermont I. She also was a vendor at the show and had some lovely things.

The next one was my vote for Viewer's Choice. It is by Patricia Delaney and it's called Inspiration Draws from Nature's Art. I have a close-up of the quilting, but I know it doesn't do it justice. It won a prize for best machine quilting. WOW!

I loved the graphic look of this black and white quilt by Suzie Elliot. It's called April 1550 and it's based on blackwork embroidery (which I also love). Beautiful!

That's all for now...there will be more...stay tuned...

A Wicked Weekend

2008-07-04T14:53:00.002-04:00

Happy 4th of July. It's a day for picnics, fun and family. That's what I'm doing...how about you?My mother, two sisters, sister-in-law and all of our daughters are going to see Wicked tomorrow. My daughter and I have seen it twice, but none of the others have even heard the music. It will be so much fun! Here's hoping your weekend is wicked too!

Summertime and the livin is easy

2008-06-23T11:55:00.004-04:00

I love Summer. No special routine...life is good. I just recovered my patio furniture. Unfortunately I didn't take a before photo. You'll just have to trust me when I say it was dirty, faded and only the black furniture had matching cushions. Now they all do! We have two patio areas. The white furniture is under an awning. It's lovely in a summer rain storm to sit and listen to the rain on the awning.

I still have some accent pillows in a coordinating stripe to add to the loveseats. So, as much as I would like to sit in that overstuffed chair with the ottoman, with a glass of lemonade on the table next to me and a good book, it's off to the sewing machine I go. (I also need to plant some flowers for the patio). Stay tuned...

A Busy Week

2008-06-05T12:33:00.005-04:00

What a fun and busy week I had. I took two needlework classes...one from Ann Pettit and one from Merry Cox. The French Bon-Bon Box by Merry is almost finished and the Good Fortune piece by Ann is only just begun. Check out their websites for all of their designs...they are both very talented needlework designers.

My daughter was home for her youngest brother's high school graduation. That's right, my baby has graduated from high school. Another big change in my life and his too!

Aren't they a handsome bunch!!

Look Ma, I'm an Artist

2008-05-20T11:51:00.005-04:00

I took a fabric painting class with Linda Visnaw last week. We used Tsukineko inks to create these flowers on fabric. We then did machine quilting to add thread details to the flowers. I only finished one because I had to give my piece of batting to someone else in the class (I have lots of batting pieces here at home!).

I haven't had time to do anymore painting, but I've got lots of ideas. Stay tuned...

Another finished project

2008-05-15T10:15:00.003-04:00

The last few days have been spent finishing this quilt. The embroidery designs are originals that my friend and I created using our embroidery software. We then taught classes on how to create each block. This represents a whole year of teaching! Today the quilt is going to competition for the Husqvarna Viking convention.

A Life Changing Experience

2008-05-13T16:03:00.011-04:00

Last year Alex Andersen told my friend that she needed to attend the Ricky Tim's Super Seminar. She said it would change her life. How can you resist something that will change your life? We joked about it and signed up. Four of us traveled to Glens Falls, NY and all I can say is "wow". We received a spiral bound book with all of the instructions for every technique that was demonstrated. There were three days of instruction and so much shared that our heads were spinning. We didn't know what we wanted to try first when we got home! Check out Ricky Tim's website and get to a Super Seminar if you can. He does four of them a year in different parts of the country.

Ricky Tims

Libby Lehman

Alex Andersen

What a talented group of quilters...and now my life is changed!

Look what I've been doing...

2008-05-08T13:13:00.009-04:00

I entered the American Sewing Guild's 2008 Creativity Contest. I chose to enter the 5 piece wardrobe category. (yes I'm crazy). What fun I had! This contest is sponsored by the Simplicity pattern company. I could choose from one of the selected patterns and adapt, adjust and modify to my heart's content. I chose Simplicity pattern 3634 and off I went to my stash. I was originally a garment sewer, but I have been primarily quilting for the last 15 years or so. That didn't stop me from still buying garment fabric and my stash is quite a large one. The only fabric I purchased for the challenge was the skirt fabrics. Everything else was already in my possession. I guess you would call it a "stash busting". Here are my 5 pieces: a reversible skirt, sleeveless top, long sleeved top, sweater knit jacket and capri pants (with embroidered trim).

I had to send a folder with photos and fabric swatches. If my entry is chosen as a finalist I will have to send the actual garments for judging. Stay tuned...

One month later

2008-04-28T10:56:00.004-04:00

I have been a lazy little blogger. I've been very busy...I just haven't been blogging!
I picked up my framing. These are both pieces by Merry Cox. If you are a needleworker and you've never taken a class from Merry you are missing out. She has a very limited teaching schedule so check it out and get to one of her workshops! I am very lucky because she comes to our sampler guild every spring to teach her latest pieces. We know it's spring in Western NY when Merry Cox comes to town.

Ahh Vacation

2008-03-31T22:26:00.006-04:00

I spent the last week in the warm sunshine of Florida...ahhhh...just what I needed. First on the west coast watching my youngest on the baseball fields.
Then a few days on the east coast visiting my parents.

It was so relaxing. I read two books and did some knitting on the wallaby sweater for my no. 2 son. Now it's back to the real world with a new vitality!

Snow can be good...

2008-03-10T09:04:00.003-04:00

We got a foot of snow here over the weekend. I was happy to be stuck at home. I started to clean up and organize my sewing space. The operative word here is "started"...I have a long way to go, but I'm feeling much better about myself. All of my stuff was beginning to creep toward me and rise up around me. So far I have two large garbage bags to go out in the trash this week with more to follow. There will also be some donations to charity and maybe even some things showing up at etsy. Stay tuned...

Working away...

2008-02-06T22:21:00.000-05:00

There's been a lot of finishing going on here. I took two needlework samplers to the frame shop on Saturday, and a quilt just came back from the quilter. The battery on my camera is dead so the quilt photo will have to wait. I have another needlework piece that I am focusing on right now. The knitting has taken a back burner (sorry Dan, your sweater is moving very slowly), but I am going away for a week and it will be in my suitcase! I have also been working on a silk top that just needs buttons and a hem in the sleeves. I have been very good about not buying or starting anything new...we'll see how long that lasts...stay tuned!

More of Beautiful Vienna

2008-01-07T17:24:00.000-05:00

Here are some more of the beautiful sights in Vienna.

Christmas in Vienna

2008-01-04T09:58:00.001-05:00

On Christmas Day we went to mass and heard the Vienna Boys Choir. When the mass began the priests and this choir entered the church. When these men started to sing I was sure we had been had!

Then a few minutes later the boys choir started singing from the upper balcony. It was the most beautiful sound I have ever heard!

Vienna, Day 2

2008-01-02T13:50:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Eve we had breakfast on Prater's Ferris Wheel. My husband loves the movie, The Third Man. This is the same ferris wheel that is in the movie. You can just go for a ride on it...or you can have a catered meal.

The views were amazing.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T10:26:00.000-05:00

I love the new year. It's a clean start, a fresh slate, a new beginning. I always have great plans for great things on this day, but before I get to that I have to go back and give you a little review of the Christmas holiday because this year it was a special one. The whole family met in Vienna, Austria to celebrate...no gifts, the trip was the gift, which meant no crazy last minute shopping for me! We spent five days in Vienna and two days in Salzburg. It was a dream come true!
We stayed in a beautiful hotel in the heart of the "Old City". We were able to walk everywhere and everytime we went out we saw something new. Here is what it looked like from our hotel window.

...and that was just the beginning! Stay tuned...

Bits and Pieces

2007-12-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

The Wonderful Wallaby is now in pieces again. It was a little snug and a bit too short. I only had to rip it back to where the sleeves were attached because it fits perfectly around the picky one's body. I will start knitting again as soon as I am done with my annual "sewing for others" projects.
I made these purses for a friend...and after the holidays you will see them in my etsy store.

I just had someone pick up three Christmas stockings that she cross-stitched and I put together...I forgot to get a photo of those...and now back to the sewing machine to finish three more stockings. A huge snowstorm is on its way so I've got to get them done so I can sit by the fire and watch the snow fall!

Give Thanks

2007-11-21T10:57:00.000-05:00

I am not cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in about 5 years. yippee!! Thanks to my little sister and her husband, I will be enjoying someone elses cooking this year. This is also the first time my children won't all be home for a holiday. I'm very sad about that so a change of venue is good. It will seem different anyway!
The Wallaby sweater should be finished this weekend (unless I have to take it apart after the picky one tries it on), but my number 2 son wants one too. I have been finishing up a quilt that I started a few years ago, but more about that later...stay tuned.
Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Big Knitting

2007-11-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

I have always just knit for myself or for baby gifts. The last baby gift I knit was The Wonderful Wallaby sweater. My son saw it and asked if I could make him one. Sure, I said. He picked out the color (a lovely navy blue) and I started...and I knit...and I knit...and he tried it on because he's VERY particular and I knit some more...and he commented that the sleeves looked puffy so I had him slip one on...and I knit some more...and I'm still knitting! It takes a long time to make a sweater for a picky, young man who just asked me "What if I don't like it?" Arrrgghhh!

Autumn slump

2007-10-29T14:28:00.000-04:00

I'm in my typical autumn slump. I'm not sure I know why I detest this time of year...maybe the cold, the shorter days, everything going dormant...how about all of the above!
I am particularly sad this year because my mother-in-law passed away last week after a very, very short illness. I try not to get too personal in this blog because it's supposed to be an account of my accomplishments and projects, but when I am not accomplishing anything I have to explain why.
I am trying to look on the bright side right now...my mil was going to have months of suffering ahead of her, our children were all home (including my son who is in school in Scotland) and I married into a great family. That's it--my cup is half full--things are looking up already.

A Time of Learning

2007-10-14T21:13:00.000-04:00

I have busy learning new things since I last posted.

My husband bought me a new laptop for my birthday this summer. It's a Mac so I am trying to learn how to use it. It's pretty easy, it's just different from what I'm used to and I find I still need to use the PC for many things.

My #2 son is spending his junior year in college in Scotland so I am also learning how to "Skype", I love it because I can talk to him and as soon as I find a camera that will work on his Mac I will be able to see him too!

I learned how to knit a toe-up sock called Anastasia...well, I have the toe done, but that's all because I am also knitting a sweater for my #3 son and it's taking a long time! I have also been getting back into some needlework projects that I want to finish. Here is a photo of "command central"--my phones, my needlework, a couch, a TV and a computer all nearby (oh and the knitting bag is right on the floor!) I'm ready for winter!

So I think you can see why I haven't been posting, but I'm back...stay tuned.

Holding on to summer...

2007-09-04T09:52:00.000-04:00

This summer has been the fastest one yet! I'm in shock that the calendar says September. Today was my son's first day of school. As he mentioned last night, his "last" first day of high school. I realized when he said it that we will be having a lot of "lasts" this year. I am going to try to enjoy every minute!

I have been knitting up a storm. I have finished a Wallaby sweater and two of my sons would like me to make them one! I'm really going to be knitting now!!!

The beginning of the school year always has me thinking about organization...I think it's all those clean notebooks and folders and new pens and pencils. So off I go to do something organizational...stay tuned!